red stuff on glass and CC that is not coraline.

S

sinner's girl

Guest
In the 75gl there is deep red stuff on the CC, glass and on decortive pieces.
I'm told it's not coraline, but I don't know what it is, what causes it or if it's bad.
As of now there is just a big old damsel in the tank (no inverts, some lr). I'd like to switch tanks soon (move the damsel to the 55gl and put the clown and friends in 75gl). Before I do this, I need to know that the red stuff will not hurt my fish or inverts (the big old damsel appears good). This stuff was not noticable in the tank when we bought it. It's been spreading fast.
when last tested, all levels were good, at or close to zero. Ph was where it should be (sorry, i can't find the paper with exact numbers).
Any ideas what the red stuff is?
Thanks!!
 
fshhub

fshhub

Active Member
what does it look like? does it fade at night?
if it is deep red, are you sure it si not coraline, or anohter type of macro algae as we so desire? Coraline does come in various colors and shades, depending on the lighting. I have some purple, green adn reds in our tanks, have even seen pinkish. Generally the redder stuff is in lowlight areas or in crevaces where lighting is not as prominant.
Anyhow, got a little more detail?
look here
 
S

sinner's girl

Guest
It grows much faster than coraline. No, i'm not sure it's not, I was just told it wasn't.
I tried to see if it would come off the glass by rubbing my finger on the glass (I was told that if it rubbed off it wasn't coraline?), however, that stupid fish thought I was food and bit me!!!
I'll check and see if it fades when lights go out. I'll also try to stick my hand back in the tank or get sinner to do it. talk about bitting the hand that feeds you.
 
maroonclownfan

maroonclownfan

Member
Sounds like it might be good old fashioned red slime algae to me. Get some hermits, they should clean it up off the CC. Snails will take care of glass.
If the tank has been up for a while, it might be time for a clean up crew. If it is still cycling, then wait for it to finish before adding the crew.
MCF
 
M

mudshark

Guest
I've got some dark red stuff that looks like very short hair algae...
but it's red so it looks kind of like a mat.
My tangs seem to like it though. I'm not sure if it's bad?
 
S

sinner's girl

Guest
Yep, it's cycled and has been for awhile but with just the damsel we weren't worried about a clean up crew. (the damsel came with the tank, we just wanted the tank, but weren't ready to really do anything with it) if the tanks are switched the crew in the 55gl will be put in the 75gl along with some other guys (i hope, depends on what we have to pay in taxes).
Is Cyanobacteria harmful in anyway to fish or inverts? I don't mind the red color, I just don' t want my fish/inverts hurt.
btw, i've had no luck and keeping snails alive. it's almost pointless.
Thanks
 
zibnata

zibnata

Member
You need to get Red Slime Remover by Ultralife..I had it and could not get rid of it . I have plenty of hermits and snails,but they didnt get rid of it.Follow the directions and the stuff will be gone within a couple of days. Its reef safe too. It didnt harm anything in my tank.This site sells it.
 
jonathon0883

jonathon0883

Member
I have something like that growing in blotches on my glass...i havent tried to wipe it off..how do i tell if its good or bad?
 
S

sinner's girl

Guest
I'm not going to add anything to the tank unless the red stuff is harmful to the fish/inverts, otherwise, it can stay. besides it adds color.
so is Cyanobacteria harmful in anyway to my fish/inverts?
Thanks,
 
david s

david s

Member
Cyano bacteria is a normal part of a new tank cycle what can cause it is low water flow or old lighting or a new cycle in the tank if it is real bad use a turkey baster t suck it out then increase water flow to that area and check lighting for age. I wouldnt use any chemical for it. I have read that you can also get some ls from a tank without it and it will cure it. For me increase in water flow has always worked.
as far as being harmful it can choke corals but is not harmful to fish and crabs help to get rid of it. cyano is one of the earliest forms of life, it is a ugly nuisance that is easily cured
 
S

sinner's girl

Guest
Thank you very much. I'll leave it alone since it's not harmful to my fish and inverts (we don't have any corals.)
 
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